Police seek warrant to test blood from driver of fatal crash
Posted at: 07/23/2011 6:30 PM
| Updated at: 07/25/2011 9:11 PM
By: Cristina Rodda & Eddie Garcia, KOB Eyewitness News 4, and Kurt Christopher, KOB.com
 Photo courtesy the Gallup Herald. |
A New Mexico national guardsman is among two killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 40 near Gallup. Three other guardsmen are injured.
Police say the crash happened just after 8 a.m. Saturday after the group left a nearby Denny’s restaurant in a four-door pickup truck.
Investigators believe the truck was headed westbound on I-40 when the driver crossed the median, over-corrected and flipped the vehicle about four times. The truck clipped a light post, ejecting two people.
Christina Joe, 32, of Standing Rock and Shawn Bennett, 33, of Prewitt both died in the crash.
Three other guardsmen were transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center with injuries. They are Kevin Bennett, 30, of Prewitt, Kathleen Jones, 35, of Rock Springs and Arlene Garnenez, 37, of Tholikai.
Garnenez is also a New Mexico state police dispatcher and the owner of the truck.
One witness, Kirk Benally, was working on the landscape at Denny's when the sound of the crash caught his attention. He said the crash happened so fast and it was over before he could get a good look.
Police are now looking for answers to make things more clear.
"The challenges now are identifying the driver and proceeding with everything we believe to make sure we have a good case,” said Gallup police sergeant Matt Wright.
Investigators say excessive speed appears to been a factor in the crash. They are still determining if alcohol or fatigue played a role.
Police say beer cans were found at the scene, however they were unopened.
Police did not identify who was driving, but said they are seeking a warrant to draw blood from the driver for testing. State police say Garnenez is on paid administrative leave pending the investigation.
The New Mexico National Guard released the following statement regarding Saturday’s crash: “We want to extend our condolences to the families of the national guardsmen involved in this tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers are with them and we extend our assistance to those affected families to ensure they are taken care of during this difficult time.”
|
 |
Tweet |
|
